Described as ‘An atmospheric Elizabethan farmhouse that saved a King’ I did a bit of digging before visiting finding that it had been used as a hiding place for the retreating King at the end of the English Civil War and includes a ‘Priest Hole’ actually used by the King to avoid his pursuers.

Being a dog, I’m not allowed in the house itself so have to be content with the outside and what an outside to enjoy!

The (recreated) 17th century gardens are quite small but in keeping with the house itself, extending around three sides to include a seating area for picnics.

There are facilities on site, a souvenir ship, second hand book shop, plant sale area and a little tea room (which boasts the best scones in the world), but we just brought our own little picnic and coffee.

As you wander around the grounds there is a ‘Kings Walk’ through the tree to a tree house and pond.

It is a lot smaller than some better know. National Trust sites but this is reflected in entry price for non-members being smaller.

All in all, a nice little venue which is easy to visit just off J2 M54 (it can be noisy in parts as it is next door)

The life of a hermit is more likely one chosen than enforced. People need to be with others, even if it’s for short periods. People need people.

It’s the same with dogs.

If your dog doesn’t go out, doesn’t get walked, has no contact with other dogs, how is it supposed to react when it sees another dog? That’s probably the second question your dog will ask itself on seeing another dog. Right after ‘WTF?’

So, to have the most balanced dog, it needs experiences, good and bad, of other dogs so that it learns how it feels when other dogs are about. If they don’t get this, how can you expect you dog to improve its social skills?

You can’t keep your dog locked away and then shout at it for losing its self control on seeing other dogs – it’s a natural reaction for the dog.

George has been socialised as much as we can from an early age, with people too, not just dogs and cats.

As such, he is a joy to take out. He is genuinely interested and excited to meet others and I can be confident he poses no threat to any of them.

This confidence only comes from testing and knowing your dog. If you don’t help your dog – you’ll reap what you sow.

You dog loves being social so, please, give it every chance you can. 🐾